Jeff Overton suffers life threatening spine infection

2010 USA Ryder Cup team member Jeff Overton is recovering after a "life-threatening infection in his spine", his wife has revealed in a statement on Facebook.

Jeff's wife Christina described her husband's situation via Facebook as Overton celebrated his 34th birthday on Sunday.

"After several months off due to a herniated disc, Jeff underwent a minimally invasive procedure in hopes of improving the area," said Cristina.  "Through the procedure he acquired a life-threatening infection in his spine, forcing an emergency surgery."

Overton, who won two points at Celtic Manor including his singles win over Ross Fisher, and who resides in Bloomington Indiana, hasn't played on the PGA Tour since February. He is yet to win on the PGA Tour but has finished 2nd at the Wyndham Championship in 2007. In 2010 he had a proliferation of second place finishes: 2nd at the Zurich Classic Of New Orleans, then again at the HP Byron Nelson Championship, and once more at the inaugural Greenbrier Classic. He would have won the Greenbrier but for a crazy last round 59 from Stuart Appleby which overturned Overton's 54-hole three shot lead.

Now he's just concentrating on getting well enough to get back out there.

"After a month in the hospital and acute rehab centre, many nights of excruciating pain and uncertainty, two months of IV antibiotics and home health care, we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel," added Cristina.

Overton and Bubba Watson, 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, during their 3&2 win over Luke Donald & Padraig Harrington

Overton tweeted: "These last few months have been surreal and it certainly makes you appreciate life and health."

From everyone at GolfPunk, speedy recovery Jeff and see you out on tour again soon.

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